from harness publicists across North America

Monday’s (May 20) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Harrington Raceway and Northfield Park.

Papa Ray scores in Delaware debut

Harrington, DE — Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi’s Papa Ray ($7.40, Jim Morand) made his Delaware debut a winning one on Monday by capturing the $18,000 Open Pace in 1:52.3.

Fotowon photo

Papa Ray was a 1:52.3 winner in the Harrington Open.

Trained by Ron Burke, the 4-year-old Village Jolt stallion mounted his attack second-over behind Beavercreek Artist towards the three-quarters as pacesetter Fissato set fractions of :27.1, :56.1 and 1:24.2.

Papa Ray then tipped three-wide at the top of the stretch and surged by to prevail by a length over Mojo Terror and Beavercreek Artist.

It was his fourth win of the year and was part of a driving double for Morand.

In the last race on the card, 71-year-old driver Walter Layfield, Jr. scored his second straight win with 3-year-old pacing colt Getitoffyourchest. Owned by David Banks, the Tell All colt led most of the way in an impressive five length triumph in 1:54.3.

Tony Morgan had three winners on the program.

— Matt Sparacino

Northfield Park
Lislea Moran was first across the wire in the $6,000 Open Pace in Northfield Park’s opening race on Monday. Thomas O’Donnell owns the 7-year-old pacer. Trainer Andy Rickert called upon Northfield Park Wall of Famer Greg Grismore to drive the gelding. Lislea Moran (Lislea-L’etoile) started from post one and sat the pocket through fractions of :27.3, :56 and 1:24.1. Grismore pulled into the passing lane in the stretch and bettered his competition by three-quarters of a length, completing the mile in 1:54. Finishing behind Lislea Moran were Traczar, State Of The Union, Beans And Weenies, Lite Me Up and Windy City Ron. Monday’s triumph increased Lislea Moran’s lifetime wins tally to 25 and his career earnings to $248,467. He was an upset winner and returned $29.20 to win. Classical Man took the $6,000 Open Trot for owner/trainer William Bercury in the evening’s eighth race. Classical Man (Malabar Man-Classical Motion) started from post eight and fired out of the gate to make the early lead and never looked back. Driver Aaron Merriman posted fractions of :27.4, :57, 1:26.3 and 1:57. Several were challenging near the finish but Classical Man’s class showed when he dug in and maintained a half-length margin of victory. Completing the race were Talladega Hanover, BV’s Sister, Freedom Ridge, South Jersey Honey, Lima Apollo, Lady Rev and Rose Run Jeriah. The 12-year-old Classical Man now has 39 career wins and earnings of $587,635. He paid $7.40 to win.